Home Electric Panel Upgrade Wire Size

Can the existing electrical service wire be used for a larger panel? Planning for a Home Electrical Service Panel Upgrade.

Electrical Panel Wire
Electrical Question: Can the existing electrical service wire be used for a larger panel?

• I have a 120 amp service panel in my home and would like to step it up to 200 amps or perhaps 400 amps.
• There are 2 supply conductors going to the meter that are labeled 2 AWG.
• I know these do not have enough ampacity to run 400 amp service but wonder about 200 amps.
• From the main power line the wires are strung about 60′ through the air.

This electrical wiring question came from: Gabriel, a Handyman from Portland, Oregon.

Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your electrical wiring question Gabriel.

Planning for a Home Electrical Panel Upgrade

Application: Upgrading an Electric Service Panel.
Skill Level: Advanced. This electrical wiring project is best performed by a Licensed Electrical Contractor or Certified Electrician. Not Recommended for Homeowners.
Tools Required: Electricians Tools,  pouch of hand tools and the various power tools necessary for the electric panel upgrade.
Estimated Time: Depends on the exact type of the existing panel or fuse box, the replacement panel to be installed, the original wiring methods that were used for installing the existing wiring, and available access to the project area.
Precaution: This is an extensive project that should be performed by a Licensed Electrical Contractor and typically requires specifications in accordance with the local utility company or electric service provider. Working in an electric panel is dangerous due to arc flash hazards and the possibility of electric shock.
Notice: Making changes to the Home Electrical Service Panel should be done according to local and national electrical codes with a permit and be inspected.

Understanding Home Electrical Panel Upgrades

• The existing electrical service and wires are sized to support the 120 amp service which you now have.
• To upgrade the electrical panel to a higher amperage would require the main panel feeder circuit to be replaced with larger electrical wire and circuit components.
• The replacement wire size will depend on a number of factors including the following:
  • The method that will be used to install wire into either an electrical conduit or a service cable.
  • The insulation type of the wire or cable that will be installed.
  • The conductor type of the wire or cable, which would be either aluminum or copper.
  • The length of the wire or cable.
  • Applicable local electrical codes which are adopted and enforced for this project.
• The electrical service drop from the utility company will most likely remain the same size unless it is old and needs replacing.
• A service upgrade such as this requires a permit and inspection and can be done best by a Licensed Electrical Contractor.

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Dave's Guide to Home Electrical Wiring: » You Can Avoid Costly Mistakes! « Wire It Right with the help of my Illustrated Wiring Book Great for any Home Wiring Project. Complete Guide to Home Electrical Wiring Perfect for Homeowners, Students, Handyman, Handy Women, and Electricians Includes: Wiring GFCI Outlets Wiring Home Electric Circuits 120 Volt and 240 Volt Outlet Circuits Wiring Light Switches Wiring 3-Wire and 4-Wire Electric Range Wiring 3-Wire and 4-Wire Dryer Cord and Dryer Outlet Troubleshoot and Repair Electrical Wiring Wiring Methods for Upgrading Electrical Wiring NEC Codes for Home Electrical Wiring ....and much more. Learn more about Home Electrical Wiring with my Online Video Course: Basic Home Electrical Wiring by Example

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Electrical Tips to Help You Wire it Right The Safest Way to Test Electrical Devices and Identify Electric Wires! The Non-Contact Electrical Tester This is a testing tool that I have had in my personal electrical tool pouch for years, and is the first test tool I grab to help identify electrical wiring. It is a Non-contact tester that I use to easily Detect Voltage in Cables, Cords, Circuit Breakers, Lighting Fixtures, Switches, Outlets and Wires. Simply insert the end of the tester into an outlet, lamp socket, or hold the end of the tester against the wire you wish to test. Very handy and easy to use. The Quickest Way to Check for Faulty Electrical Wiring! The Plug-In Outlet Tester This is the first tool I grab to troubleshoot a problem with outlet circuit wiring. This popular tester is also used by most inspectors to test for power and check the polarity of circuit wiring. It detects probable improper wiring conditions in standard 110-125 VAC outlets Provides 6 probable wiring conditions that are quick and easy to read for ultimate efficiency Lights indicate if wiring is correct and indicator light chart is included Tests standard 3-wire outlets UL Listed Light indicates if wiring is incorrect Very handy and easy to use. Strip Off Wire Insulation without Nicking and Damaging the Electric Wire! The Wire Stripper and Wire Cutter My absolute favorite wire stripping tool that I have had in my personal electrical tool pouch for years, and this is the tool I use to safely strip electrical wires. This handy tool has multiple uses: The wire gauges are shown on the side of the tool so you know which slot to use for stripping insulation. The end of the tool can be used to grip and bend wire which is handy for attaching wire onto the screw terminals of switches and outlets.. The wire stripper will work on both solid and stranded wire. This tool is Very Handy and Easy to Use.

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